Each economic downturn brings some cultural shift or change; during this one I realized I’d pretty much given up on network TV.
I’ve never watched even one “Survivor,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “American Idol” or “The Apprentice.” I’m going to keep it that way.
Other than some of the original series on cable networks FX, TNT, USA, and HBO, I really don’t miss regular – or the extended digital cable package -Tv. Chris Anderson is right – $0.00 really is the future of business.
After all – the FX, TNT and USA series I like – The Closer, Burn Notice, Monk, Pysch, and Rescue Me are available on Hulu and/or Boxee -and both are $0.00. I’m also a big fan of several of HBO’s original programming – Big Love, True Blood, and No. 1 Ladie’s Detective Agency (which is actually the BBC’s original content); but I can rent those from Netflix under my existing eco-friendly monthly online and mailed dvd subscription.
At least the cable networks have realized it’s better for their original series to have short seasons with new episodes, then slot them so at least one series starts its season as soon as another of the network’s series airs its season fnale. Besides adding some interest for the viewer, it no doubt keeps the paid subscriber base fairly stable. I deliberately waited until after No.1 Ladies Detective Agency completed its six episode first season run before canceling my digital cable subscriber package.
Similar to the auto manufacturers, broadcast networks loudly struggle to identify new business models which both draw viewers and are profitable, too.
In fact, Hulu is co-owned by NBC Universal, News Corp. and Providence Equity Partners, although operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Beijing; its full disclosure about its corporate culture is both noteworthy and commendable – although I’m relieved they don’t currently have an office in Seattle; we have plenty of existing corporate culture challenges to work | life balance.
Note to Hulu (and with special thanks to Gerry Mooney):
Diminishing returns. It’s not just a good theory. It’s a LAW.
I’ve given up TV before and spent more time with friends, family, and pets; working out; reading; and quilting. And yet – once in a while a new TV series turns up which draws me back in…
“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” - John W. Gardner
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Tags: corporate culture, economic downturn, broadcast networks, hulu, true blood, seattle, ladies detective agency, chris anderson, subscriber base
